Open Tuesday through Saturday 8am to 11am for breakfast and 11am to 3pm for lunch.
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Sunday Jazz Brunch 10:30am - 2pm

When a restaurant is anchored in a popular retail setting, it shouldn’t be a surprise that creativity is at work in the kitchen.

​That’s certainly true for LuLu’s On Main, located inside Maggie May’s Gallery & Gifts, which offers a collection of works by local and regional artists, as well as clothing, shoes, jewelry and home decor.

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The setting at 126 Main Street just off Beach Boulevard is inviting, dynamic and appealing to shoppers who enjoy making their way through the historic building checking out the ever changing creations and merchandise.
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​Diners can choose to sit in the dining room, also art filled, or opt for a table on the adjacent screened porch, cooled by breezes off the water.

Nancy, whose resume includes cooking in the kitchen of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, prepares traditional Southern food as well as Continental cuisine, all bundled up into a casual coastal dining experience. Nancy also learned cooking from her mother and grandmother, so that adds an extra dimension to LuLu’s dishes.

Consider Lulu’s Jazz Brunch menu available on Sundays. Redfish Florentine pairs pan fried Gulf fish and creamy Spinach Madeleine. Cheese grits are topped with tender grillades or large BBQ shrimp. Pain Perdu comes in a silky version or Nancy’s own twist, served with golden fried chicken tenders. There’s more tradition found in the desserts: Betty’s Bread Pudding and Bananas Foster to name just two choices.

​Breakfast and lunch offerings are all prepared to order.

“I have a fixed menu - all the hot, delicious sellers like pear pecan salad, and specials every week - whatever’s fresh, whatever I feel like. Or I might do a different take on a popular special,” she said. On a recent week the special was Oysters Rockefeller Quesadillas.

Nancy’s corn and crab bisque and portobello mushroom with baby spinach soup are always popular items, as is her “debris” stuffed roast beef poboys, and chicken salad. Those items never change. “You can come in 10 years from now and taste the same flavors,” she said.

Also among the favorites is Nancy’s homemade, all natural ingredient ice cream, made in small batches every day, and not just in summertime.

Nancy maintains her passion for cooking, preparing all meals to order and with attention to ingredients and tradition. “If it smells like my mom’s and grandma’s food, it’s gotta be good,” she says, promising diners will leave Lulu’s having tasted the flavors of the Bay and her native New Orleans.

Nancy’s creativity doesn’t stop in the kitchen. After Hurricane Katrina, she turned muddy streets into a delicious event: the SOUPer Mudfest on the Second Saturday Artwalk in March. This will be the ninth edition of the fest, and about 1,000 people are expected to join the festivities.

​For $20, participants can buy a soup bowl crafted by local potters and enjoy a succession of soup servings throughout Old Town at dozens of businesses. Past favorites have been tomato basil and corn and crab bisque among other tasty soups. Lines always form at the tent on Main at Second Street where hundreds of bowls will be sold.

All money collected from the sale of the bowls goes to the potters, Old Town Merchants’ Association, the Hancock County Food Pantry and Hancock County’s tourism board.

On LuLu’s Facebook page, there are photos of Nancy at the stove, clearly enjoying the cooking. “I love it,” she said. “What makes it enjoyable to me is having people come back and relive memories that they had of eating my food.”

They pout, they push the limits, they beg for your attention. They make you laugh often – and occasionally want to pull out your hair. But you can’t imagine living without them. The love you share is boundless.

Wait.

Are we talking about children or dogs?

Both parents and dog-owners can identify with those statements because children and dogs are a lot alike, according to certified dog trainer Kathleen Markey.

​Known to most of her friends and clients simply as “Markey,” the retired teacher and former college basketball coach is the owner of Bay Area Dog Solutions – or “BADS.” In addition to training, BADS offers pet-sitting in Markey’s home, doggie day-care and even transportation to and from the vet.

​Markey has been a certified dog trainer for the past twelve years. She says it’s the perfect career for her – not only because she loves dogs – but also because training dogs runs a parallel path to her previous career.

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“You use many of the same methods for teaching children as you do dogs,” says Markey. “In both cases, you first need to get their focus. And you reinforce positive behavior, whether it’s been asked for or not.”

She points out that impulse control training also is important to teach to young canines and humans.

But there’s a major difference between the two as well: dogs communicate mostly through body language. Markey explains that dogs watch their owners carefully and in most cases, “know the owners better than the owners know themselves.”

But that’s not a two-way street. People often don’t notice or they misinterpret their dog’s body language. “They’re talking to us all the time, but we don’t know what they’re saying.”

For example, if you’re hugging a dog and it rolls its eyes back so that the whites are visible, that’s known as “whale eyes.” It’s a sign of anxiety, not ecstasy.

“I sometimes see a dog being forced to greet another dog or kid and it’s showing whale eyes and ears back – clear signs of stress,” Markey says. “The dog is very scared. The owner should pay attention to that.”

Reading a dog’s body language is one of the primary things Markey teaches in group classes and while working with individual dog owners. In short sessions, she can evaluate the behaviors causing issues and begin to work with the owner on retraining the dog.

Markey with "Whiskey" at the Hancock County Animal Shelter

Markey says that some behaviors can be addressed much better on the dog’s home turf.

“If your dog won’t stop barking when the doorbell rings, or if it’s counter surfing, I can’t train it in my yard. And we can cover a lot of ground in 35 or 45 minutes.”

The retired educator especially likes teaching children about dogs, individually and in groups. Teaching them the basics in dog behavior and care can cut back on the chances of being bitten and help make them lifelong animal advocates. The workshops and kids’ camps also stress the responsibility owners have for their pets.

In fact, Markey has written an illustrated children’s book about relating to and caring for dogs. Titled “Whoodies Dos and Don’ts of Child Safety,” it’s told from the perspective of Markey’s celebrity dog, Who Dat.

Who Dat came into Markey’s life in 2010, after the BP oil spill had left thousands of dogs unable to be cared for by their owners. Many were abandoned. Other’s were surrendered. Like a small Maltipoo.

By that time, Markey had been working with Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) for five years – she’d started volunteering immediately after Hurricane Katrina. The program’s director, Charlotte Bass, had encouraged her to pursue certification in dog training. As a trainer, Markey was able to reduce the rate of adoption return, simply by helping families and their new dogs learn to cohabitate peacefully.

In 2010, Markey, who had grown up with dogs in Chicago and later always had a dog companion who’d travel with her while recruiting for college basketball teams, was in deep mourning for a long-time dog who’d passed away. She was so distraught, she began working in the cat room at the shelter, unable to be around dogs that reminded her of the loss.

Charlotte found Markey in the cat room one day and proclaimed, “I’ve got your dog!” Markey protested that she didn’t want another dog. Charlotte ignored her and brought in “a little bit of white fluff.” Markey protested again. She’d always been a big dog person. Charlotte persuaded her to take the dog home for the weekend.

“If this is a yappy dog, I’m not taking it,” said Markey.

The two-year-old bit of fluff and Markey have been inseparable for the past seven years.

Markey and her side-kick Whoodie going for a scooter ride. - photo by Ellis Anderson

​The dog promptly dubbed Who Dat – “Whoodie” for short – and became part of the Saints fan costume act that Markey and a friend had started a few years before. The two teachers had used a bonus to buy Saints season’s tickets in the nosebleed section. As a gag, the two costumed as nuns from the fictional “Order of the Long-suffering Fleur de Lis.” Markey’s friend was Sister Who, while she became Sister Dat. The pair quickly became crowd favorites at every home game. Whoodie joined the act and had his own adoring fans on game day.

“There may have been a time or two when he actually watched games inside the Superdome,” says Markey, smiling.

In 2017, Markey made the move to Bay St. Louis. She’d been visiting a retired teacher friend who’d relocated and enjoyed the natural beauty and slower pace. As her retirement as an educator approached, she wanted to expand her part-time pet-sitting/dog-training service into a full-time business. BADS was born

Markey and Whoodie, can be often seen walking their guest dogs or riding on a scooter through the streets of town. The trainer’s volunteering with Friends of the Animal Shelter and she offers programs to help raise awareness about dog-human relationships.

Markey says that the most rewarding thing about working with and owning dogs is their unconditional love. She tells a story about a recent beach walk with a gigantic Great Pyranese, Buddy, who’s a regular in her daycare. The pair came on a distraught woman sitting alone on the beach. When they stopped to chat, the woman confessed she was upset after being affected by the government shut-down.

“Before you know it, Buddy put his head in her lap,” says Markey. “He made her forget her troubles for a minute and smile.

With a large new location, an expanded printing department, a new website and promotional product offerings and an expanded showroom of more than 2,000 products stocked in-house, S&L Office Supply is growing with a mission in mind: to become the one-stop-shop for local businesses. - by Ellis Anderson

New is always the operative word at S&L Office Supply. In fact, between expansions in size, increased services and additional product offerings, the business is barely recognizable as the tiny operation owner Chris Cochran purchased five years ago.

The business has moved twice in those years. When Cochran took the helm, S&L was tucked into a small strip mall on Highway 603. Then it quickly outgrew a new Highway 90 location.

​​In 2016, Cochran purchased an 8,000-square-foot building in a high profile location across from the Bay St. Louis post office. After a top to bottom rebuild, S&L moved in at the first of the year. Walk-in traffic immediately tripled from the increased visibility. And the new digs have allowed for Cochran to put other elements of his long-range plans in action.

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For instance, the printing department has had room to spread out. Higher end machinery has doubled output capabilities and allows for printing of everything from flyers to brochures to invitations. Large format printers can handle blueprints and plans. Same day printing is available, and there’s never any additional charge for a rush job.

​Another big “new” for S&L this year: they’re now printing outdoor banners, yard signs and even vinyl decals. All of it is done in-house with personal attention from Cochran and his staff.

“We are focused on developing products and services that customers can use to promote their own businesses and functions,” says Cochran. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for every local business.”

​That focus has led to another expansion – promotional products. Anything that can be printed with a company logo is fair game. Think jump drives and pens and coffee mug and mouse pads. And more. A million more.

Cochran says that they’ve become members of Advertising Specialty Institute, which allows S&L to offer that incredible array of products to their local customers – all at “super” wholesale pricing.

But since a million choices can be overwhelming, S&L will assist in narrowing down the selection to work with a customer’s budget. They then make a mock-up of the item, so the customer can see a photo of what the product will look like – before they order.

“During 2018, that’s going to be one of our biggest pushes,” Cochran says. “We’ll have everything from paper towels to toilet paper to hand soap. Anything that a business or restaurant goes through on a regular basis. Now, instead of having to travel to buying-club stores to save money, they’ll be able to buy bulk products here in Hancock County.”

“Our prices are right in line with the shopping club prices, but you don’t have to take time out of your day or send an employee to make a 50-mile round trip,” Cochran explains. “Plus, we offer local delivery.”

The S&L showroom will soon display popular sanitation, janitorial and paper products that are sold in bulk and kept in-stock. Shoppers can check out the samples, order at the desk and have the products loaded in their cars.

To save even more time, customers can now order from S&L’s website, which is – you guessed it – new.

To speed up things even more, the new website shopping area has a “Quick Picks” section. Two thousand-plus popular items under “Quick Picks” are already in stock and can be picked up immediately.

“Chances are, we’ll have the product you’re looking for,” says Cochran. “If you order and pay for the products online, you can just drive up, we’ll put it in your car and you can go.”

There are even more perks for commercial customers – those businesses with a commercial location and regular business hours. Cochran says that qualified customers get additional discounts on the products they order most. Net 30 billing is also offered, as is free delivery with no minimum order (contact Chris to see about becoming a qualified commercial customer).

While Cochran’s strategy has been to build a loyal local customer base, he’s now winning new ones from Picayune, Slidell, and Gulfport.

Cochran says people are willing to make the drive “because we offer that one-stop shopping - with prices competitive to what they’re getting online. They also love the service here. They’re able to talk to someone who really knows their stuff and will take the time to learn their needs.”

He continues. “We’re growing fast because we have one thing in mind: we want to supply everything you need to promote your business and run your day-to-day operations, without having to leave Hancock County.”

Click here to find out more about S&L's unique program that turns empty ink cartridges into cash for local charities!

A rare bird in the world of residential construction, Crane Builders is equally at ease with small projects and grand ones, new construction and sensitive historic renovations. Find out why a commitment to quality has made this two-generation company keeps clients coming back time and time again. - story by Ellis Anderson

Jackye Crane, president of Crane Builders, LLC. Click on the image for their website.

Drive across the Mississippi beachfront and you’re sure to spot several Crane Builders signs. You might see one in front of a shaded lot where a foundation’s being poured. Others stand before stately homes where no visible work at all is occurring – signaling that renovations or additions are taking place behind the scenes.

That’s because the Cranes are equally at ease doing both new construction and renovations/additions. That makes them a rare bird in the contracting world, where most builders shy away from anything that might be problematic - like historic homes.

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But Jackye’s education goes beyond learning the value of high standards from her dad. In 2010, she graduated with honors from LSU’s prestigious Engineering School with a degree in Construction Management. She keeps up with the latest advances in materials and tools, merging the best of the high-tech world with Old World craftsmanship.

This commitment to quality has served the Cranes well: more than three-quarters of current clients now come from their 40-year pool of previous customers. Homeowners like the Riveres (who have used the Cranes for several major home projects through the years) give rave reviews.

The Riveres cite multiple reasons for their satisfaction on their new home, including custom design touches and the fact their house was finished four months ahead of schedule.

Jackye and Jimmy Crane at work

​Jackye says that while that’s not always the case, conservative completion date estimates are standard.

“We don’t want to let anyone down, so we like to overshoot,” Crane says. “We’d rather have them thrilled that we’re early. Also, our quality control is all-important and we don’t want to rush for a deadline because of unexpected weather-related or material delivery delays.”

Another factor in the quality control is the long-term relationship the Cranes have built with their sub-contractors. They use only like-minded subs and are able to pair different subs with different jobs. For instance, if someone wants standard wiring, they might call on one electrician. If owners want a “smart-home,” they’ll call in a sub who specializes in built-in home electronics.

A Crane built new home on Beach Blvd. in Bay St. Louis.

A historic Bay St. Louis home with interior renovations by the Cranes.

​While the Cranes will happily take on the most ambitious new residential project, they’re also experts in making the most of an already existing home. “Renovations are a whole different animal [from new construction],” Jackye says. “It’s our niche. Not many people are willing to take on those special challenges.”

​In one recent project, the Cranes were called in to explore the possibilities of building a new house for Pass Christian residents. The family of six had moved full-time into what had been their weekend home. They were bursting at the seams and needed more space.

Instead of starting from scratch, the Cranes were able to devise a plan that utilized the existing home’s unused attic space. The final project created an additional 750 square feet that included a stairwell, two bedrooms, a bath and a den.

“We love challenges like that,” Jackye says. “We excel at finding creative solutions, which can often save the homeowners a lot of money.”

An unused attic space became a sizable "addition" for one family's home.

In another current project, the Cranes are back working at a home they renovated a few years ago. In "Phase One," the garage was converted to a two-bedroom/one-bath poolhouse, and a porch was built overlooking the new pool, fountain and garden. In the main house now, two bathrooms are being renovated, while a breakfast nook/family room has been created, opening up the kitchen to the living area.

​In Bay St. Louis, the Cranes worked with other loyal clients to renovate their historic beach home’s kitchen. A dated acoustic tile ceiling was removed, exposing “gorgeous” moldings and bead-board ceilings.

Right around the corner, a shabby back wing has been torn off another historic house, with plans to open up the kitchen to a new great room addition. And the Riveres will be clients again soon – the Cranes are slated to build a pool and a cabana.

And since the Cranes are veterans at working in the historic districts of both Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian, they're also well-versed on the historic guidelines of each city - which makes for smooth sailing when appearing before local historic preservation commissions.

But while they often work on grand, historic homes and high-profile beach home projects, the Crane's approach smaller projects with equal care.

Jackye explains, “We build small-budget new houses too, working with clients to get them what they want and still meet their budgets."

“And you don’t have to look for a handyman for a smaller renovation projects. We take those on too – for instance, a half-bath update. Our regular customers know that and don’t hesitate to call us back for smaller jobs.”

Although, Jackye’s at the helm of the business now, father Jimmy still stays fully involved. And the family construction business expanded again in 2016, when Jackye married Chris Hansen - owner of Hansen Custom Painting (and third-generation painting contractor). Hansen had been a favorite subcontractor of the Cranes since 2003. It turned out the Chris and Jackye had more in common than a devotion to quality control. The two have a new son, Andrew Wolfe Hansen.

“We love what we do,” Jackye says. “And working on projects together as a family makes projects even more satisfying.”

Jackye, Chris and son in front of one of Chris's recent jobs. Click to read more about Hansen Custom Painting.

The Bay St. Louis boutique by the name of bijoubel has grown to ten times its original size in just five years - owner Melissa Hamilton began with only 200 square feet of display space. Now she’s expanded into the entire front of 126 Main Street and has just opened a satellite shop right next door – Joan Vass Off Broadway.

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“The quality is just amazing,” says Melissa. “Most of the pieces are 100% cotton, a really substantial knit that’s very comfortable. I’ve had people tell me they’ve had Joan Vass pieces for twenty years. That speaks to the styling too. They’re timeless pieces that can be blended with any fashion statement.”

She’s given the Joan Vass line its own shop, while keeping the same comfort + quality + styling = success equation in mind when expanding bijoubel. The store now carries brands like Black Cape (which is also found in Chico’s), for women who want a more polished look for business. For those who like the linen look, there’s Sea Breeze, made in the U.S. from cotton, with affordable prices and easy care. Full-figured women are big fans of Dex, a women’s line sized 1X – 3X.

Melissa says that while most boutiques cater to younger women, she’s focused on the thirty-five-plus group.

“No matter what size or age we are, we always want to look slimmer,” says Melissa, smiling. “Then as we mature, we want pieces that complement us. We look for longer sleeves and a looser fit, stylish clothes that are comfortable too. That’s our main focus.”

But bijoubel is popular with teenage girls and younger women as well. The store stocks plenty of trending accessories, like jewelry, purses and scarves. With prices starting at $5, it’s a treasure trove for youthful shoppers. Popular jewelry lines include Mariana and Lo Hola, made in Israel. There’s also Catherine Popseco and Swarwarski crystals.

In addition to being price conscious when she’s buying for the shop, Melissa determined early on to keep fresh merchandise in the store, so even regular customers always see something new when they visit. Display is a high priority too. The time spent on thoughtful displays doesn’t go unnoticed by customers, who often comment on the store’s visual appeal.

Melissa admits there’s also an advantage to having the popular restaurant Lulu’s on Main Street located in the same building, further back. Often diners will be enchanted by bijoubel on their way back to the café, then come shop in earnest after their meal.

“We always greet customers, but we’re never pushy,” Melissa says. “Our sales people are wonderful at giving advice on fitting and helping you find what’s most flattering.”

Melissa points to a new sparkly t-shirt hanging behind the sales counter. “That’s one of our best sellers now,” she says.

The shirt’s back reads “A Little Bling By the Bay” and has Bay St. Louis and bijoubel written on it as well.

“That’s us,” she says, laughing. “Like our customers, we love being in the Bay.”

Brehm Bell, Attorney At Law

​ When you’re driving on a highway two states away, don’t expect to see a billboard with an upside down photograph of Brehm Bell.

This hometown attorney prefers a different approach, one that depends on word-of-mouth references from former clients, more than advertising.

And Bell’s happy working on his own home turf, advocating for people he grew up with on the Mississippi coast.

“This is my home and I invest my time in this community, so why would I want to go elsewhere?” says Bell. “There are more than enough people right here in Hancock County – where I grew up – who need my help.”

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​Bell’s personality reflects his legal style: he’s a compassionate and empathetic listener, then dynamic, purposeful and energetic when he’s making a point.

Like when he explains how the insurance claims process has changed dramatically over the past several years. Accidents that involve personal injury, now more than ever, can present a mine-field of obstacles for someone who’s been hurt.

“Five years ago, if you had an accident, in many instances, you could handle things yourself,” says Bell. “Now, almost everyone needs an attorney advocating for them. The liens, the paperwork, the processes – it’s all gotten extremely complicated, time-consuming and confusing.”

As an example, he cites the way accident victims often sign paperwork in the emergency room – a decision that can negatively impact their health insurance for years to come. One type of form is called an “assignment of interest.” That means that the hospital will try to get payment from an insurance company first (which will pay full price on procedures), rather than a person’s health insurance (which gets a big discount on charges).

“When you’ve been in an accident and you’re in an emergency room, you’re usually stressed and hurting and just want to be seen by a doctor,” says Bell.

That’s the main reason that Bell has come up with a handout listing the things people should do – or not – if they’re in a serious accident. He recommends you keep the card in your vehicle’s glove box (click here to download the pdf and store on your mobile phone).

Click on the image to open up a full-sized PDF that you can save on your device or print!

​One of the items on the list is (if you’re able), take photos of the scene with your mobile device and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Another item stresses that the police should always be called, or there might be negative consequences up the line. Talk to no one except the police about the accident. If someone starts pressing you for information, simply tell them you can discuss it at a later time.

Bell can attest to the need for the tips. He’s been a trial lawyer for the entire 28 years of his legal career, specializing in personal injury. He’s also served on the board of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association for ten years so keeps up with legislation and what’s happening in his field statewide.

After someone’s been injured in an accident, they can call Bell’s office. Within 48 hours, they’ll be speaking directly to the attorney. Unlike “big-box” billboard attorneys, Bell personally handles all the cases he takes on. And his solo practice allows him to give one-on-one attention to clients.

If a case goes to trial, Bell points out that there’s an enormous advantage in being represented by a hometown attorney. He should know, having grown up in Pearlington and graduating from Bay High School before attending law school at Ole Miss.

Bell says, “It’s important that insurance companies know you have an attorney who is a part of the community. It matters. A representative from another place won’t have the in-depth knowledge of our county. But if you’re injured and can’t work, I understand all the ways you’re being affected on a personal basis.”

Bell’s concern for his community carries over to his personal life, where he and his wife, Jenny, volunteer for several organizations. Brehm focuses on education, and has served as chair of the Hancock Chamber’s education committee, helping found the annual teachers appreciation dinner and the popular Bookworms program. He and Sherry Ponder were pivotal in persuading Pearl River Community College to open a branch in Hancock County. Bell also sponsors an annual scholarship that goes to a local high school graduate who has expressed an interest in law.

“I just try to live in my world and help my people,” he says.

Next, people meet with Bell in person. The initial consultation is free. He takes all their information and listens to their concerns. After Bell agrees to represent a client, all calls from health insurance, health providers, insurance companies and collection agencies are simply referred to back to his office from that point on.“I tell my clients ‘you just need to focus on getting well,’” Bell continues. “I’ll handle the claim part.”While Bell says that this country couldn’t have been built without the insurance industry, he also says that now corporate offices sometimes press people to take quick settlements - before they know the full extent of their injuries.

Hancock Medical Center

One of the most glamorous nights in Hancock County - Moonlight On the Bay - provides more than a stellar evening of entertainment. This benefit for the Hancock Medical Center Foundation helps save lives every year. - by Ellis Anderson

Hancock County is known more for its friendly people than glitz and glamour, but Moonlight on the Bay is one event where both come together. The annual black-tie affair – now in its 21st year – will bring together hundreds of Hancock Medical Center supporters on Friday, September 22nd, at Hollywood Casino’s Cypress Cove Ballroom.

The gala is produced by and benefits the Hancock Medical Center Foundation, a non-profit organization that has supported the county’s only hospital for more than three decades. The funds raised by the event are used to enhance hospital services and equipment, helping make Hancock Medical a state-of-the-art facility.

Each year, the event honors one individual who has been pivotal in the hospital’s success. In 2017, the honoree is surgeon Brian Anthony, M.D. The beloved physician has been serving Hancock county patients for more than 21 years.

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​The gala begins at 6pm with a patrons’ party cocktail hour, with the sit-down dinner and video/honoree program beginning at 7:30pm. From 9pm – 11:30pm, patrons dance to live music by Witness and continue vying for items up for bid in the silent auction.

Tickets are $100 per person, with different patron levels beginning at $150 and can be reserved by calling Tom Carlton at (228) 467-8790.

Tom Carlton, Hancock Medical marketing/development director, says that one of the highlights this year will be the attendance of a former patient, Richard Empson.

​Last year, Empson contracted a rare case of vibrio bacterial infection. The Baton Rouge resident went to the Hancock Medical emergency room, where his life was saved by an emergency amputation performed by Dr. Anthony.

By the time Empson - two-time cancer survivor - arrived at the hospital, his chances for survival were extremely low. He and his family credit the quick action of Anthony and the HMC staff for saving his life.

Brian Anthony, M.D and Richard Empson

One of the most popular parts of the event is the legendary silent auction. Carlton says local businesses contribute items that range from an autographed Saints football to fine artwork, from jewelry to spa packages (click here for a donation form).

“We always have lots hotel stays and casino packages and restaurant certificates,” says Carlton. “We always have so many items, thanks to the generosity of our local businesses and patrons.”

Money raised by past Moonlight On the Bay events has been used to help fund the lifesaving Telestroke Program, fetal monitoring systems, mobile ultrasounds, mammography assistance for the uninsured, the Joseph Lee M.D. operating room suite and much more (click here to read more).

Carlson says dress for the event is black-tie optional with some attendees opting for tuxedos or formals and others dressing in business attire.

For more information or to reserve seating, call Carlton at (228) 467-8790.

Crawford Realty Group

Broker Stephen Crawford foresees continued growth on the Mississippi coast, driven by beautiful scenery, affordable living, a relaxed lifestyle and the area's most important asset of all - its people. - by Ellis Anderson

Gerald Rigby, CPA

A Bay St. Louis accounting firm opens a new office in Diamondhead as a growing number of individuals and businesses discover the advantages - and value - of hometown expertise. - story by Ellis Anderson

The Mockingbird Café

The 'Bird turned ten this year and in just a decade, has become an indepensible part of the community fabric - for lots of different reasons. - story and photos by Ellis Anderson, food photos courtesy Mockingbird

Bay St. Louis is known as a town that embraces the unusual. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that one Saturday afternoon in October, over two-dozen women dressed in Downton Abbey style – complete with fancy hats - filled the English Tea Room at Antique Maison Ulman.

Eating delectable sandwiches and sweets while sipping hot tea from antique china cups, these elegantly chapeau-ed ladies chatted and laughed during a special celebration of classic English author Jane Austen.

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The Tearoom on Ulman Avenue has been open for two years and it’s already acquired a reputation as the go-to place for visitors to the Mississippi Coast who hail from the British Isles – as well as a popular place to host bridal and baby showers, family reunions, wedding anniversaries, birthday and graduation parties and even business meetings and fundraisers.

Proprietor Sylvia Young says it’s the only authentic English Tea Room in South Mississippi. From Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am – 3pm, anyone can take a shopper’s break in the tearoom and be served a pot of tea, pastry or scone.

While reservations are required (48 hours in advance) for the formal High Tea Windors with all the food and frills – Sylvia welcomes groups as small as three people (She recommends that party planners make reservations now for the holiday season).

There’s a private room that can seat up to twenty people (perfect for meetings), while the entire tearoom opened up can seat 55 people. There’s no charge for use of the venue when High Tea is served and made available for up to two hours.

“High Tea” British style is a full meal by American standards. It includes a bounty of goodies served up on a three-tier stand. Guests help themselves from the tiers.

The bottom tier is filled with a variety of small sandwiches, including roasted turkey, chicken salad and cucumber with basil pesto. On the middle tier are side items like potato salad, quiche and artichoke delight. On the top tier are desserts – everything from chocolate-covered strawberries and cherries to ambrosia, to fruit-filled scones served up with lemon curd and fresh clotted cream.

For children’s parties, there’s a special menu that appeals to younger palettes, including homemade cupcakes and finger sandwiches made with Nutella.

“We make everything fresh for all the teas,” says Sylvia. “Nothing’s packaged or processed, it’s all made from scratch. For instance, we roast our own turkey for the turkey sandwiches.” Then she laughs and says, “We do everything but run the turkey down!”

When reservations are made, party planners also have a choice of homemade soups to order. Sylvia will make up either zucchini, or black bean soup or a chicken and sausage gumbo.

She says her guests from Great Britain are usually surprised to be served gumbo with tea, but after trying it are ready to take back the recipe to their own tearooms in England. But the culture swap goes both ways. They also give their favorite tearoom recipes to Sylvia and share “the secrets of the Queen’s tearoom” to make the experience in South Mississippi more fun.

Then there’s the tea itself. Sylvia currently stocks over 15 different types of tea. It’s all served up in charming antique teapots and cups. Larger private parties can also order a side cart of extra drinks, soft drinks, lemonade and coffee.

Don’t have a costume, but want to post a few photos of your tea event on social media? Sylvia has that covered too, with an array of both ladies and men’s formal hats.

This spring, Sylvia and her husband Ed are expanding the tearoom by creating a “tea garden”. They’re landscaping the courtyard area now, which will feature fountains, birdbaths and garden statues. Beneath the boughs of a large live oak tree, they’re building an arbor where couples can be married, with a seating area for the bridal party.

The tearoom is located inside Antique Maison Ulman, a vast antique and vintage store. It’s the second Antique Maison location – the first is at 111 North Second Street. The Youngs rent out booths to experienced dealers selling furniture and home décor in both locations, as well as selling their own vintage, nostalgia and antique items – all in good condition. Shoppers will also find jewelry, books, arts and crafts.

“We’ve built a great reputation through the years, based on asking reasonable prices for quality merchandise - all attractively displayed, ” says Sylvia. “In Antique Maison on Second Street, I’ve got forty dealers with a waiting list to get in. That’s why we opened the Ulman location and tearoom.”

Spring and fall, auctions take place at Antique Maison Ulman (to sign up for notification, email them at: edsylv@att.net )

The Youngs take furniture on consignment as well at Ulman Avenue, as long as it’s solid wood and in good condition. They research to price fairly and accurately. Since Ed Young grew up in the family furniture business in New Orleans, he’s been a furniture dealer for 60 years plue. Sylvia’s been working in the antiques furniture business for a dozen years.

Pre-Katrina, at the N. Second Street location, the Youngs owned and operated one of the most popular bridal rental operations on the coast, Bon Temps Roulé. After the storm, they were left with a building, but not much else. They reinvented themselves by reopening as Antique Maison just a year after the storm, to provide spaces for local dealers and help residents have a place to shop to refurnish and redecorate their homes.

“We just don’t give up,” says Sylvia, smiling. “My secret is endurance, a progressive attitude to keep up with the market, and just plain old dedication and determination.”

Bay Life Gifts and Gallery

It’s the name of her shop, but it’s also the reason Janice Guido moved to town: Bay Life.

After retiring from a career in the hospitality industry and relocating full time to Bay St. Louis, Janice has discovered – for the first time in her life – that travel’s not really appealing.

“I love being here in my shop and love my house on State Street,” she says. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I traveled so much for so long. It gives me a huge appreciation for this small town and its people. It’s home.”

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So it’s not surprising that her shop, Bay Life, is filled with a selection of art, décor and tableware that has most shoppers wanting to linger longer. The overall statement is one of relaxation and restoration. The soft aqua wall color, the enormous windows and the historic brickwork create a perfect backdrop for the shop offerings.

There’s a special focus on Mississippi made art and products too. Best sellers include the Oxford line of Soy candles, bath and dish towels by Hanging By A Thread, a colorful throw pillow line by Little Birdie and A La Luna jewelry, made just up the road in Petal, Mississippi.

Local artists are heavily represented too, with oyster shell ornaments, crosses and frames by Michelle Savoy, bold paintings by Tehle McGuffee of Gulfport and Tracy Stieffel’s woodblocks and pewter cutouts.

Since sharing meals is a main component of life in the Bay, Bay Life carries lots of tableware. Caspari’s line of placemats, napkins and greeting cards are some of Janice’s favorites – and she’s found that customers share her enthusiasm. Maurice Milleur’s pewter tableware has been a coast mainstay for decades, and now Janice represents him as well.

Like any great Southern hostess, Janice works hard make shop visitors relax and feel at home. She orchestrates the music, the colors, and even the scents that greet shoppers. And it’s all selected with one thing in mind.

“I’ve lived a very stressful corporate life and a lot of my customers are the same,” she says. “So I’m trying to create a fun and peaceful place where they can slow down for a minute, and maybe even leave here feeling inspired.”

It’s a strategy that’s worked for Bay Life. Opening on Second Saturday in March 2015, the store may be young, but it has already established a large and loyal following. In addition to a large cadre of long-time locals, the shop’s customers include many people who live in New Orleans or other regional cities and have second homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Janice says that a lot of her customers have become friends.

That’s to be expected from someone who has spent most of her career working in the home and hospitality industry. She was born and raised in Natchez, where her father owned an insurance and home-building business. She has fond childhood memories of accompanying her father to home construction sites. “He believed everyone needed a good place to live.”

Janice attended St. Mary’s Dominican in New Orleans, graduating with a double major in history and education. Along the way, she spent a full year with Loyola in Rome, an experience that broadened her perspectives.

After stints teaching and selling real estate, she found her true niche in the hospitality field – mostly in New Orleans. For nearly thirty years, Janice worked at sales and marketing for some of the most famous hotels in the U.S., including the Windsor Court New Orleans, the Le Meridien New Orleans, the Fairmont/Roosevelt New Orleans and the Willard Intercontinental in Washington, D.C. She ended her hotel career at the famous Royal Sonesta Hotel in the French Quarter after helping to launch the Irvin Mayfield Jazz Playhouse and Restaurant Revolution. While her jobs may have been stressful, she found that making people feel at home came naturally.

In 2001, while working at the Windsor Court, she purchased her first house on the coast, in the Garden Isles neighborhood.

“We had a boat and would go explore all the bayous. It was only about an hour away, so I could get back quickly if there was a hotel emergency. But being on the coast made it easy to forget everything.

“I’d traveled all over and realized that the landscapes here were as beautiful as anything the East Coast had to offer. I fell in love with it and made a plan.”

Janice’s plan was to eventually retire, move to the Bay full time and open a gallery/gift shop.
“I held that dream in my heart as I as finished out my career,” she says. “I wanted to be my own boss. And I love it. I count my blessings every day.”

One of those blessings is to be able to compare notes with her sister, Gail, owner of Silver Street Gifts and Gallery in Natchez. The two go to market together and share sales tips with each other. Their mother gets in on the act too, as her daughters swap ideas and talk about new products they’ve found.

The last few years have been busy ones and Janice and her partner have renovated and added onto their historic cottage on State Street in Old Town. In addition, soon after opening her shop, Janice was quickly tapped as president of the Old Town Merchants Association. So while there hasn’t been much time lately to explore the bayous by boat, Janice is completely contented.

“I thought I would miss New Orleans more than I do,” she says. “I’m so happy here. My Bay life in reality is even more wonderful than the dream.”

It’s the new tag line for one of Bay St. Louis’s most popular shops - Bay-tique - and fits as perfectly as your favorite jeans.

The boutique is the baby of Jane Alford, who also owns the Carroll House Bed and Breakfast in Old Town. When her career as a occupational therapist brought her to the Mississippi coast from Maryland, she came with the intention of staying only five years.

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Instead, 18 years have passed and she’s firmly ensconced in the community, with no plans to move elsewhere.

She opened the popular bed and breakfast first and then began the boutique a few years later to meet the needs of her guests.

“They all wanted something made locally that they could take home,” says Jane. “They also wanted more choices in shopping for fashion, especially beach-wear. Meanwhile, I was looking something to fulfill my creative side.”

Bay-tique is a showcase of that creativity. The window displays and store décor instantly make the most fatigued shopper feel enlivened. The mood is spirited, and so is the merchandise.

The clothing and accessories are geared for women in the 30 – 50 age group, in regular and plus sizes.

“I think about things I would like,” says the fifty-something entrepreneur. “A woman in her fifties doesn’t want to dress like a grandmother, but she doesn’t want to dress like a 20-year old either. I try to keep the merchandise fun and affordable.”

For fall 2016, expect to find lots of layering pieces in rich colors like plum, burgundy, olive and burnt orange. Easy-to-wear leggings are still a hot item, as are tunics. Short boots keep the look contemporary and stylish. Popular brands include Quay Sunglasses, Blowfish and Sanuk shoes, Jane Marie jewelry, All For Color Clothing and Umgee Apparel.

Accessories include cool suede scarves and vests. And the perennial favorites of locals and visitors alike are the Bay St. Louis hoodies and sweatshirts designed by Jane and sold by her exclusively.
Jane’s proficiency with graphic design programs makes that possible. She also has the equipment - and hands-on know-how – to make many of the shop’s distinctive t-shirts.

“I’ll make a stencil and then I paint and bleach to make one-off designs on t-shirts. That’s a great creative outlet, I really enjoy it.”

The merchandising part of the job is satisfying as well. It’s also challenging. She discovered early on that ordering her stock online may have been easy, but it’s impossible to identify quality from a computer screen. Now she researches carefully before she goes to market, steering away from product lines she knows other merchants in town are carrying (“we work together and try hard not to duplicate”).

At market, Jane visits vendors she’s picked out beforehand. Being able to touch and feel the quality before she orders makes for a loyal clientele. Bayti-que has a growing local fan base and many “frequent flyers,” regular visitors from out of town who make the boutique their first stop.

“I want our reputation to be one of a high-service, big-fun boutique.”

Perks include calling a customer when something they’ve been looking for comes in and offering an online store where they can shop with confidence. Jane’s already done the quality control.

A highly motivated sales staff who are trained not to be “stand-offish or snooty” also helps in building customer loyalty. Jane says she has excellent employees and constantly gets feedback from regular customers about how helpful they are.

“It makes a big difference having reliable employees who take ownership of their job,” says Jane. “They’re great at helping put together a whole look that’s flattering to the customer.

“I’m really proud of the store. It’s developed it’s own personality and I like that personality. Easy going, spirited and a little bit sassy.” ​

Take one of the most interesting buildings in Old Town Bay St. Louis, paint the sides with colorful murals and after one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, invite two-dozen artists in to show their work. The owners of Gallery 220 did just that and over the past eleven years, the artists’ co-op has built a reputation for being one of the coolest creative centers on the coast.

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Owners Jenise McCardell and Mark Currier’s house is directly behind the stand-out art deco building that houses Gallery 220. Since the studio for their own ceramics business, Clay Creations, is also located on the premises, they have the ultimate in a work/live situation, with a gallery that hums with energy, seven days a week.

The pair were one of the first businesses to open their doors in 2005 after the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The building sustained less damage than most in the town, so the couple hurriedly mucked it out and threw open the doors for the September Second Saturday – less than three weeks after the monster storm.

The spirits of dazed residents, astonished volunteers and shell-shocked artists were revived by the event, so for many months, every Saturday was Second Saturday. The community had one place to find respite and encouragement. Any artist who had wares to sell were welcomed. Gallery 220 was born.

Since each of the member artists works in Gallery 220, shoppers are always assured of having an artist help them make a selection. This means that each member learns about the other’s techniques and styles. The painters sometimes bring works-in-progress with them, so often there’s an in-house demonstration.

Potter and sculptor Regan Carney is one of the original members of Gallery 220. She maintains her own working clay studio (Bay Artists Coop) in the Depot District, nd calls the gallery “my showroom.”

And quite the showroom it is. One of the only art deco style buildings in Bay St. Louis, it has high ceilings, lots of natural light and hand-painted floors. As a co-op, the business philosophy adds another layer of interest.

“This place operates differently than a conventional gallery,” says Carney. “We respect each other’s space and each other’s art work. We learn to work as a group. Since we don’t have a central person to handle display, it’s in all our best interests to keep the gallery looking fresh and engaging.”

“It’s not a pretentious place at all. Everybody has the opportunity to arrange their work and present it in a very personable way, rather than deal with something that’s highly structured.”

Several artists have been part of the nucleus for years: Janet Densmore, Spencer Gray, Jr., Michelle Allee, Regan’s husband, Mark Buszkiewicz and jewelers Sid and Pam Yoder. Some of the established members also teach, so they share information about workshops. Barbara Brodtmann, Janet Densmore, Jo Slay and Carney all give classes, some at the gallery itself.

These veteran artists are able to offer counsel to younger artists who are just beginning to market their work.

“It provides an opportunity for entry level artists to learn some of the basics of presenting and selling their work,” Carney says. “They learn the fundamentals of professionalism.”

And the newest member of the Gallery 220 is taking advantage of that fact. Holly Boynes is a ceramics artist living in Chalmette. Drawn to art her entire life, she graduated Nichols State University in 2013 with a degree in fine arts. Currently, she’s focusing on hand-built teapots and wall-hangings based on flowers like tiger lilies, cherry blossoms and sunflowers.

While Boyne has a solid education in technique, she’s finding the camaraderie and support from other gallery artists beneficial.

“Although I do crafts shows, I’ve never worked in a gallery before,” says Boyne. “This is brand new to me. But everyone’s friendly and they help each other. I’m getting to know people’s art and their stories, while learning the ins and outs of the business of art. “

A ceramic sunflower by Holly Boyne

The support system between the artists moves far beyond the professional sphere. Carney says that when she suffered a life-threatening and debilitating aneurysm a few years ago, the co-op members came to her aid.

“They were extraordinarily instrumental in helping me out,” Carney says. “They helped me sell my work, take care of business and set up a fund to help cover medical costs.”

Carney says the group hosts at least one charity fund-raiser event a year. Recently, coop members held a benefit to help a fellow artist who’s currently going through chemo-therapy.

“We celebrate each others' successes. When we hit low spots, we try to pull each other up. Everyone benefits.

The Bay Town Inn

The new Bay Town Inn will be celebrating its third birthday this year. Owner Nikki Moon reveals why more guests - and more types of guests - are staying and then returning. - story and photos by Ellis Anderson

​Nikki Moon, owner of the Bay Town Inn, finally has a little time to smell the roses. And there are plenty for her to smell. The new Inn will be celebrating its third birthday this summer. Regular guests return by the droves and more new ones discover it every day. The Inn and Old Town Bay St. Louis both are known for offering great dining and shopping experiences, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality.

Over the past three years, Nikki’s Bay Town Inn has risen to star status on the Mississippi Coast, becoming the darling of travel writers. It’s easy to see why. The Inn offers the personal attention that one receives in a bed and breakfast, while also catering to guests who prefer more privacy.

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​Walkability rules here: the Inn is on the route of a popular historic walking and biking tour. Ten owner-operated eateries are located within three blocks. Ditto for dozens of antique shops and boutiques. A fabulous public pier and harbor are directly across the street. Watching the sunrise over the floating neighborhood of seventy-odd boats — with the graceful Bay Bridge in the background — gets anyone’s day off on the right foot.

In addition to the couples staying for rejuvenation and a weekend of fun in the sun, two new types of guests have discovered the Inn. Business travelers are flocking there for workweek stays, and wedding parties are booking “takeover” weekends.

Nikki says that her corporate guests in many cases are NASA, NOAA, or Navy personnel, in the area working at Stennis Space Center. Rather than stay at a chain hotel in Louisiana, they opt for the Bay Town Inn experience — especially since the Inn honors government per diem.

“They like the Inn because they have more space than in just a room,” says Nikki, referring to her ten guest suites. The suites include a separate living/kitchenette area, a large bathroom and a separate bedroom. “If they want to meet with one of their colleagues, there’s work space in the suite, or they can discuss projects by the pool.

“They also like the fact that after a long day, they can have peace and quiet. They don’t have to get into their cars again. They can just walk to dinner.”

​Wedding parties are attracted for many of the same reasons, especially since two popular reception venues are nearby. Instead of booking just a smattering of rooms to wedding parties, Nikki’s unique approach is to offer only the entire place. For instance, for one recent wedding, the groom’s family booked the entire Inn for the weekend. They set up their own refreshment station in the courtyard and were able to swim until midnight without worry of disturbing other guests. Currently, the Inn hosts about five weddings a year.

Most of the guests — whether matrimonial, corporate or vacation — have one thing in common: a friend referred them.

“The majority of our business is word of mouth,” says Nikki. “That’s great, because that means we’re providing consistent service and meeting their needs. That’s also a tribute to Bay St. Louis. There are more restaurants open now on Monday night and some shops are open seven days a week too. That’s something they can’t get in other towns.

“Bay St. Louis may be known as ‘Mayberry by the Sea,’ but it’s a hip Mayberry. While it’s calm and low key, it’s also artsy and has lots of live music.”

One reason for Nikki’s lightning fast success is her staff. Several key people have been with her since the opening and the team works with seamless efficiency. This allows her more flexibility now than she’s ever had in her entire working life. A seasoned tourism professional, in 2003 Nikki purchased the original historic Bay Town Inn. She was just settling in as owner of the bed and breakfast when Hurricane Katrina tore through the coast.

After the storm, she was the owner of a bare lot, feeling fortunate to have escaped with her life.

Until the Bay’s infrastructure could be put back together — a process that took several years — Nikki returned to New Orleans and picked up her job as vice president of convention sales for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also married John Moon, who found the dream of running an inn in Bay St. Louis as alluring as she did.

Construction on the new inn began in October 2012 and it was completed in September 2013. Unfortunately, the newlyweds never got to celebrate its opening together. John Moon had passed away from melanoma five months before.

Loss of a home, a business, and a soulmate in a relatively short period might have permanently clouded the lives of most people, but Nikki’s midwestern determination has served her well. Chin up, keep going, stay positive. Her bright smile that greets every guest is not one of artifice. She’s genuinely delighted to see them and they can sense it. It’s one of the reasons they keep returning.

​Nikki has found that giving back to her community keeps that spirit bright. Now that the hotel’s routine has become second nature, she has the flexibility to volunteer for favorite projects. Currently, she’s serving on the board of the Hancock Chamber, the Old Town Merchants Association, the Hancock Library Foundation, the Mystic Krewe of Seahorse (a Mardi Gras organization with an economic development mission) and the advisory board of the Gulf Coast Visitors Bureau. One of her favorite charities is Brenda’s House, a safe home for children who are in transition.

She’s also serving her second term as president of the Hancock County Tourism Development Board, bringing to the table her years of expertise in the industry.
Two recent projects she’s thrown energy behind involve transportation. A free Old Town trolley service that was being discontinued because of lack of funding has found a new sponsor, the Silver Slipper Casino. The new service began at the end of May and will run through Old Town and Waveland as it makes a loop back and forth to Bayou Cadet.

Another pet project has been working with the Southern Rail Commission to encourage the return of Amtrak train service, which is hopefully slated to begin within the next two years. She sees Bay St. Louis as the gateway to Mississippi, poised to welcome visitors. Nikki also believes the train service will encourage the historic model of full and part-time residents of the Bay being able to commute to New Orleans for work.

Her hopes for the community’s future are shared with those of her inn: moving forward with fresh ideas, based on the time-honored traditions of the past. She sees a textured weave, where businesses and residents work toward a vital economy and an exceptional quality of life.

“I’ve learned a great deal in the past three years,” Nikki says. “I’m more local-centric than ever now. I buy local art for the rooms, flowers from the local florist, plants from local nurseries. We want to support local businesses as much as we can. You know, we’re all in this together.”